The Xiaomi Poco F1 is powerful enough to run the latest features, apps and processes whether we talk about games, or third party tools used for tweaking purpose. Thus, it should perform well even when the stock Android OS isn’t there anymore. If you do want to test something new and better then you have to set up a custom ROM which can bring a new Android functionality. In that respect you should know that the Pixel Experience software is now compatible with your Xiaomi Poco F1 and during the following guidelines we will be checking how to apply this custom update on the very same device.

The Pixel Experience ROM is a custom Android build that’s based on Google’s pure Android UI. Thus, this custom ROM will customize your Xiaomi Poco F1 so that you can enjoy a Pixel-like experience in terms of overall functionality and built-in apps and features. Shortly, with this custom update installed your smartphone will look (Android-wise) like a Pixel device and you can use an interface that is light and fast and which comes with everything that’s new on the default Android 8.1 Oreo platform – yes, this release of Pixel Experience ROM is being powered by Android 8.1 OS.

In term of daily functionality the Pixel Experience ROM should run without major issues. Since the firmware is still under development stage you can still deal with minor issues such as bugs or lags, but you should be able to use your Xiaomi Poco F1 on a daily basis without hassle. Therefore, you can succesfully resume the update procedure that is explained below, especially if you first complete a Nandroid backup – that type of backup can help you secure the Android OS that currently runs on your phone; later, if the new software isn’t running as expected you can go back to stock by flashing the Nandroid backup package.

Pixel Experience ROM is developed by those of xda-developers so we must thank them for this new Android 8.1 Oreo update opportunity available for the Xiaomi Poco F1. The firmware represents a free aftermarket distribution of the stock Android UI and it cannot be associated with your OEM or with Google. This is not an official software but an unofficial update that can be flashed only manually and at your own risk: the warranty of your Poco F1 will get lost once you will start to apply the update steps that are detailed below. Do note: the warranty flag can be regained only if you choose to reinstall the stock Android OS.

You can set up the Pixel Experience ROM on your Xiaomi Poco F1 only if you first complete three other additional processes: you have to unlock your phone’s bootloader, you need to gain root access and you must install TWRP recovery. The first two operations are for preparing the Android system for the update process that will shortly follow while the custom recovery image will be the environment that will be required during the actual flashing operation.

A backup must be completed on your Xiaomi Poco F1 before you start the Pixel Experience update operation. You shouldn’t resume the Android 8.1 Oreo flashing process without securing your personal data, info, accounts and files because a hard reset will be initiated (and you will also have to clear app data cache). Thus, choose to save your contacts, call logs, texts, images, videos, audio files, market apps, internet settings, calendar info, saved passwords, IMEI / NVRAM data as otherwise you will end up in losing everything that wasn’t there from day one.

Note: on your Xiaomi Poco F1 you can easily save files by using built-in cloud storage services; additionally you can save data by syncing stuffs with your Google account or by downloading dedicated backup and restore apps from Google Play.

A computer must be used during the Oreo update operation. On this device you will have to save the required files so your phone and its USB cable will be also needed. And you should first charge your handset if it runs low on power – the best will be to plug in the charger if the power left is lower than 50% (then, a sudden shut down might happen and in that case you can end up in experiencing software related issues – you can end up in soft-bricking your Pocco F1, so be careful).

On your smartphone you need to have Developer rights enabled. In order to do so, first navigate towards About Phone and in there start tapping repeatedly on Built Number (for 7 or 10 times) just until you notice the ‘you are a developer’ message displayed. Next, from Developer Options (you can access this field from Menu - > Settings) you must check the USB Debugging feature.

Good; you can now start the update operation and in that matter you should follow the next steps:

This time in recovery tap on Install and pick up the Pixel Experience ROM package. Swipe and start the flashing process.

Wait until the update is set up. Finally, from main menu of recovery choose ‘reboot system now’.

In case a boot loop is caused return to recovery and repeat the wiping operation.

That should be all.

Congratulations; you have succesfully replaced the stock Android OS that powered your Xiaomi Poco F1 with the Android 8.1 Oreo based Pixel Experience custom ROM firmware. So, start testing the new Android UI and see how everything works. If you find any problems or software glitches don’t hesitate and share it with us – you can easily and quickly get in touch with our team and with our readers by using the comments field from below. Enjoy and stay close for more update opportunities available for your Xiaomi Poco F1.